Byron, KM tracksters shine at Sections

(Byron’s Paige Haldergoes “team first”) Track and field phenom Paige Halder could have gone into Saturday’s Section 1, Class 2A track/field meet chasing numerous individual goals. After all, the Byron senior is one of the top 400 and 200 runners in the state. Instead, the North Dakota State University commit went the opposite route. She made this final post-season all about the team. Halder opted to compete in three relays and the high jump. It worked out beautifully for her and her teammates. The Bears set section meet records in the 4x100, 4x200 and 4x400, and Halder anchored all three. The 4x100 team of Lilah Kurke, Carly Halder, Ruby Rowland and Paige Halder finished in 49.29; the 4x200 team of Kurke, Carly Halder, Kailey Schneider and Paige Halder finished in 1:42.94, and the 4x400 team of Taylor Matter, Kurke, Carly Halder and Paige Halder finished in 4:03.11. Paige will compete at state in four events, having also qualified in the high jump.

(K-M’s Arabella Knudson pulls through) A year ago, it was Winona’s Adriana Brenengen edging Kasson-Mantorville’s Arabella Knudson at the section meet in the 200. Saturday, they traded places. Knudson was the champion, in 25.49, Brenengen runner-up (26.03). Knudson also won the 100, making her the section’s sprinting queen. She was clocked in 12:28. Knudson wasn’t done there, however. She also qualified for state in the long jump (with a winning distance of 17-3 1/2) and the 4x100 relay (teaming with Karlynn Gustafson, Alexie Awe and Delaney Awe, to finish second in 49:55).

(KoMet’s David Obst is double champ) On Thursday, Kasson-Mantorville sophomore David Obst went home with the 3200 section title. Saturday, Obst came up with more brilliance. He had just enough to outlastStewartville’s Josh Langseth for first place in the 1600. Obst was timed in 4:28.44, Langseth in 4:28.54.